Get out your pigpen-stomping sneakers, put on your best cap and step right up: It's State Fair season in Indiana. And this year event organizers and public safety officers are taking extra measures to make sure fairgoers have a safe visit to the annual extravaganza.

For the first time, metal detectors will be at every State Fair pedestrian entrance. Organizers are following "best practices" to expand the technology around the fairgrounds, said Sharon Smith, director of communications for the Indiana State Fair.

Metal detectors were installed in the fairgrounds' Indiana Farmers Coliseum for the last Indy Fuel hockey season, she said, and organizers decided to expand them to the rest of the fairgrounds, too. Metal detectors were first installed at selected gates in 2017. State Fair security began using wand metal detectors at some gates in 2016.

"We are just following the state of affairs for the country," she said. "This is becoming more and more of a standard practice, and we are just following these policies and procedures."

With almost a million expected visitors — about 907,000 attended last year — and a new circus show, safety is a priority, Smith said. The fair is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 3-19.

Here are three ways fairgoers themselves can prepare for a safe visit.

Leave your valuables at home

Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine said one of the most common public safety issues at the fair last year was car theft. People leave their valuables in their car, put their purses in the trunk and leave their car unlocked, he said. Thieves take notice.

"We'll be patrolling the parking lots, but unfortunately, we can't be everywhere at the same time," he said.

Leaving your valuables at home isn't just a good way to avoid thefts; it's more convenient. Fair security will be doing bag searches at all entrances, Smith said. No alcohol or glass items allowed.

There are lots of options to get to the fair, including IndyGo buses 4 and 39, the Monon and Fall Creek trails, a shuttle from the Glendale Mall parking lot, a pedal and park deal for bicyclists and onsite parking lots.

"It's about planning ahead and figuring out how you want to spend your day," Smith said.

Be aware of your surroundings

It's easy to get turned around in the 250 acres of fairgrounds. Find out where the first-aid stations are and establish a home base for your group in case anyone gets lost.

And after you pass through the metal detectors, take a look at the fair map to familiarize yourself with all possible exits in case of an emergency. Perrine said if any public safety threat arises, security will communicate with the public through announcements at the fair and over social media.

"Nobody likes to think about these kinds of things, but if there's something like an active shooter situation, you're going to want to know how to get out," said Ross Cascio, self-defense, fitness and fight instructor for Krav Maga Worldwide. "If you see something, say something."

Stay hydrated

It may seem obvious, but one of the most common issues at the fair is heat and hydration, Smith said. Bring a handheld cooler of cold water, cool off at one of the misting stations or buy a cold drink at one of the more than 100 vendors.